ARMED anti-government protesters have taken control of a building inside a wildlife refuge in a bid to “overthrow” the US government.

The furious group took over the building in the Masher National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, accusing officials of unfairly punishing ranchers who refused to sell their land.

They claim to be supporting Dwight and Steven Hammond who were sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of arson after starting a fire that burned 130 acres in 2001 to cover up poaching.

AP

Ammon Bundy warned if the US government not to try to reclaim the refuge

The father and son say they began the fire to reduce the growth of invasive plants and to protect their property from wildfires.

Leader of the group Ammon Bundy claimed his men were peaceful, but warned the US government “would be putting their lives at risk” if they tried to reclaim the refuge.

The 40-year-old said the refuge “has been destructive to the people of the county and to the people of the area”.

He added: “People need to be aware that we've become a system where government is actually claiming and using and defending people's rights, and they are doing that against the people.”

These men had alternative motives, to attempt to overthrow the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States

David Ward

However local sheriff David Ward claimed the group intends to overthrow the government.

He said: “These men came to Harney County claiming to be part of militia groups supporting local ranchers when in reality these men had alternative motives, to attempt to overthrow the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States.”

AP

The group accused officials of unfairly punishing ranchers who refused to sell their land

Law enforcement analyst Art Roderick also warned that Bundy’s call for supporters might “turn into a bad situation”.

He said: “What's going to happen hopefully (is)… we don't go out there with a big force, because that's what they're looking for.